Urdu is facing tough challenges

but Urdu fiction is flourishing in India, says Fazal Javed

Muhammad Mujahid Syed
Saudi Gazette

Veteran Indian short story writer Fazal Javed during a light moment in Jeddah. — Courtesy photo

JEDDAH – “Urdu language is passing through a difficult phase in India. There are many State Urdu Academies that are trying to help Urdu writers and academics but Urdu is facing tough challenges,” said veteran Indian short story writer Fazal Javed.

He was speaking at a luncheon that was hosted for him by Majlis-e-Ilm-o-Adab, here. He said, “In schools, at the primary level, very few students prefer to study Urdu language. Most of the Muslim students opt to go to English medium schools. Some of them reluctantly take Urdu as a subject. And, when they finish high school or intermediate their priorities totally change.”

“But Urdu is still popular. Mushairahs are big successes. Mushairah poets earn a lot. But as a language, Urdu is facing setbacks. Films and drama serials prefer Urdu dialogues. But the number of people who are proficient in written Urdu is diminishing rapidly. 

“During 1960s and ’70s, there were many literary Urdu journals. I, as a short story writer, still remember that during those days we would receive lots of response from the readers as well as the editor. In this era of information revolution, Internet and e-mails, Urdu periodicals, journals  and newspapers  too, have preferred to join the electronic media. In both electronic and printed media Urdu short stories and fiction is still popular. We should teach Urdu to our children to retain the sheen of our beautiful language,” he added.

Javed hails from Warangal, a south Indian city. He is well-known among Urdu readers and his literary career spans more than five decades. He has his fans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia too. He is in Saudi Arabia visiting his son Imran. His latest collection of short stories “Gahraiyan” was well received in the literary circles of India.

Javed was requested to read a short story from his latest book. His short story “Ek Deewane Ka Shahre Arzoo” was appreciated by the audience.

The program started with the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur’an by Syed Imbesat.

Sayeed Hussain, a literary figure and a long-time resident of the Kingdom who chaired the program, highlighted the literary contribution of Fazal Javed.  Faisal Imtiyaz was master of ceremonies. Syed Faizan Ahmad proposed the vote of thanks.

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